Silky mango cream layered with crisp María cookies that soften into cake—Homemade Mango Carlota is the easy, no-bake dessert that looks fancy yet takes minutes. Chill it, slice it, and watch those mango ribbons shine at the table.
Why You’ll Love This Mango Carlota
- Zero oven time: A true icebox cake—perfect for hot days.
- Dreamy texture: Cookies turn into tender “cake” between layers of mousse-like mango cream.
- Fast & forgiving: Blender filling + simple assembly.
- Make-ahead friendly: Sets beautifully overnight for clean slices.
Ingredients
Mango Cream
- 3 cups (450–500 g) ripe mango flesh (fresh or thawed frozen), diced
- 1 can (14 oz / 397 g) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 can (12–14 oz / 354–400 ml) evaporated milk or 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- 6 oz (170 g) cream cheese, softened
- 2–3 tbsp fresh lime juice (to taste)
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- Pinch fine sea salt
To Layer
- 2–3 sleeves María cookies (about 250–300 g)
- ½ cup (120 ml) milk or mango nectar, for dipping (optional—see Tips)
Topping (optional but pretty)
- 1 cup diced mango + thin slices/roses for garnish
- ½ cup cold heavy cream + 1 tbsp powdered sugar (quick whip for borders)
- Lime zest and/or toasted coconut flakes
Equipment
- 8×8-inch (20×20 cm) square pan or 9-inch (23 cm) springform/loaf pan
- Blender or food processor
- Offset spatula
Time & Yield
- Hands-on: 20 minutes
- Chill: 4–6 hours (overnight best)
- Total: ~4½–6½ hours
- Yield: 9–12 squares/slices
Instructions
1) Blend the Cream
Add mango, condensed milk, evaporated milk (or cream), cream cheese, lime juice, vanilla, and salt to a blender. Blend until ultra-smooth and thick, 30–60 seconds. Taste; add a bit more lime if you want extra brightness.
2) First Cookie Layer
Spread a thin swipe of mango cream in the pan (glue). Arrange María cookies in a single snug layer. Lightly dip cookies in milk/nectar only if you prefer a softer set (1 second per side—don’t soak).
3) Layer Up
Pour 1–1½ cups mango cream over cookies; smooth. Repeat cookies → cream for 3–4 layers, finishing with cream on top.
4) Chill to Set
Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours, ideally overnight for the cleanest cuts.
5) Finish & Serve
Unmold (if using springform) or slice squares. Top with diced mango, whipped cream swirls, lime zest, and coconut if using. Serve well-chilled.
Pro Tips for Perfect Layers
- Thickness sweet spot: 3–4 cookie layers give the best cake-like texture.
- No soggy bottoms: If skipping the dip, the cream alone softens cookies—great for cleaner cuts.
- Mango quality matters: Sweet, ripe mango = brighter flavor. If using tart fruit, increase condensed milk by 2–3 tbsp or reduce lime.
- Ultra-clean slices: Freeze 20 minutes before slicing; wipe the knife between cuts.
Variations & Twists
- Coconut-Mango: Replace ½ of the evaporated milk with canned coconut milk; finish with toasted coconut.
- Mango-Berry: Add a thin layer of sliced strawberries or raspberries between cookies and cream.
- Tropical Trio: Blend in ½ cup pineapple or passion fruit pulp; adjust lime to taste.
- Light(er): Use Greek yogurt (¾ cup) in place of cream cheese; the texture will be slightly tangier.
- Stabilized for Warm Rooms: Bloom 1½ tsp powdered gelatin in 2 tbsp water; melt gently and blend into the cream.
Make-Ahead, Storage & Freezing
- Chill: Keeps 3–4 days refrigerated (covered).
- Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze up to 1 month; thaw overnight in the fridge.
- Garnish later: Add fresh fruit just before serving to keep colors vibrant.
Serving Ideas
- Dust the top with crushed María cookies for crunch.
- Add thin lime slices and mint for a bright finish.
- Serve with mango coulis: Blend mango + a splash of lime and strain; drizzle.
Nutrition (Per Slice, 1 of 10)
Approx. 330–380 kcal, 16–19 g fat, 45–50 g carbs, 6–7 g protein, sodium varies by brand. (Estimates only.)
Why This Works
The high-mango, lightly tangy cream (lime + cream cheese) keeps the filling fresh—not cloying—while the María cookies transform into delicate layers that slice like a bakery entremet. It’s sunshine in squares, no oven required.
Final Thought: Make it tonight, chill it overnight, and serve tomorrow—your fridge does the hard part while you collect the compliments.